Chidambaram rules out division of Manipur

Imphal, Dec 15 (ANI): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram has said there was no question of dividing the boundaries of Manipur.

While interacting the students here, Chidambaram said: " The Union government respected the boundary of Manipur. There had been apprehension among the people in the backdrop of persisting demands by militant organisations for the division of the State.

He also addressed the issue of racial discrimination practised in the rest of the country against the northeastern citizens.

"Sometimes misguided people discriminate against you (students). For well-meaning people, among the educated young people, you are welcome in every part of India. And your have done extremely well, especially, in certain areas, which require a good and an out-going personality," he said.

He also condemned the Dhaula Kuan rape incident, which occurred recently in New Delhi.

"The case of rape is condemnable. But is not as though northeastern girls are special targets or that it is a common occurrence. These are what we call opportunistic crimes. Suddenly somebody sees an opportunity to grab a girl, they grab the girl and they commit this heinous crime. It is condemnable but that doesn't mean that everyone from northeast is not safe in Delhi," he added.

He further said that ten years down the line there should be the years of reconciliation and peace in the northeastern region.

Earlier, Chidambaram expressed satisfaction that several militant outfits of North East have entered into negotiations with government-appointed interlocutors.

Addressing the passing out parade of the North East Police Academy here, Chidambaram said: "I am happy to report that almost all groups or organizations are in talks with government-appointed interlocutors."

Expressing confidence that the northeast could be turned into a "haven of peace", Chidambaram said: "Violence has no place in a democracy. A little more effort, a give-and-take attitude and more understanding can help address all issues.

"We have made an extra effort to hold out the hand of friendship to any person or organisation which comes forward to discuss problems," he added. (ANI)